It becomes clear as the conversation progresses that Chagla and Ronald have known each other for a while. Chagla: “He always asks why, why, why. I found that a bit annoying.” Ronald: “And then came the moment when I only had to ask ‘why’ once. You explained it well and had a good argument.” Chagla: “And then you just said ‘okay’ and I thought: huh?”
Ronald van Doorn has lived in Katendrecht for three years, having returned to his hometown after many years, where he can enjoy watching the ‘boats’ again. “I’m from Heijplaat, where my father naturally worked at the RDM, the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij. I eventually moved to The Hague for work. And now I’m back in Rotterdam.”
The Katendrecht resident worked for Shell in various roles, primarily in the IT department, and is now retired. Since then, he has been volunteering for organizations including the Refugee Council and now as a mentor at DUO for a JOB. “During my career, I also coached younger colleagues, which I really enjoyed, so when I saw this opportunity, I signed up.”
Anyone who signs up as a mentor receives extensive training, consisting of 8 workshops spread over four days. Ronald: “That was good preparation; I found the training fun and useful. It also covers things like cultural differences.”
Chagla: “If a carpenter applies for a job in Turkey, they want to know if he has a good hammer. In the Netherlands, they also want to know who you are as a person and why they should hire you specifically.”
Chagla is originally from Istanbul and has been living in the Netherlands for almost two years, in Vlaardingen, with her mother. “I feel very much at home here. I find the trees so beautiful. And I can feel the history here.” She has a job in the quality department of a coffee factory, but she is trained as a software developer. It proved very difficult to find work in that field. While searching online, she stumbled upon DUO for a JOB. After an initial information session and intake, she was paired with Ronald within two weeks. “That was a very good match.” Ronald: “It’s about trying to figure out as a mentor what someone really needs. You shouldn’t want to solve it for them. And you shouldn’t mind if someone eventually does it their own way. Chagla has to do it herself; she is the driver of the car, I can help with navigation.”
Although Chagla hasn’t found her dream job as a data analyst yet, Ronald has helped her tremendously during the six-month program. “He helped me see my talents and discover what is best for myself. I can now explain well who I am, and I dare to be the first to start a conversation, even a little bit in Dutch. That is my biggest priority now: learning the language.” With a big smile: “I am confident.”
DUO for a JOB was founded in Brussels in 2013. The foundation has been in Rotterdam for five years, and the office in Utrecht will soon open its doors. By now, DUO for a JOB in Rotterdam has already paired more than 430 duos for a 6-month mentorship program. DUO for a JOB is looking for volunteer mentors aged 50 and over. Curious if it’s for you? You can sign up for a no-obligation information session via the website (www.duoforajob.nl) or by sending an email to rotterdam@duoforajob.nl.
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